ST PAUL, Minn. — The first season couldn't have gone much better for Minnesota native Grace Zumwinkle.
Less than two weeks removed from hoisting the Walter Cup, the PWHL Minnesota forward added yet another accolade as the league's first Rookie of the Year. After a 19-point season, including the league's first-ever hat trick, Zumwinkle was named the PWHL's top rookie on Tuesday.
Zumwinkle was a third round selection last year for Minnesota following a standout career with the Gophers. She was twice a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award – given to the best women's hockey player in the NCAA – and helped lead the United States to a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.
On top of being named the league's best rookie, Zumwinkle also joined teammate Sophie Jaques on the PWHL All-Rookie Team. Minnesota's Taylor Heise, the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft, was awarded the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP trophy.
Toronto's Natalie Spooner was named the league's regular season MVP while also winning the PWHL Forward of the Year. Her coach, Troy Ryan, who is also the Canadian national coach, was named the Coach of the Year after the team finished with the top record in the league. Toronto goalie Kristen Campbell won Goaltender of the Year, while Montreal's Erin Ambrose took home the prize for top defender.
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